The Hundred – ENG vs SA Live Updates– Veteran England star Jonny Bairstow has opted to sit out of ‘The Hundred’ in order to focus on the upcoming Test series against South Africa. Bairstow who has been in remarkable form for the national team has given ECB huge blow by staying away from the tournament. The move comes after; Ben Stokes also opted to rest and instead announced his retirement from ODI format. Follow All ENG vs SA Test Series LIVE Updates and Scores on InsideSport.IN.
- The Hundred is ECB’s showpiece event, but with star players missing will have lost its limelight
- Bairstow has been in superb form for thy nation in Test cricket and wants to continue on it
- Ben Stokes was first of many star names to pull out of The Hundred
The Hundred: Jonny Bairstow pulls out of ECB’s showpiece event ‘The Hundred,’ to focus on SA Test series- Check Out
No Bairstow after pulling out day before start of The Hundred
Bairstow had been due to captain Welsh Fire, who will instead be led by Josh Cobb. The Welsh Fire will travel to Southampton for the Hundred’s opening game on Wednesday. Last year, when his involvement was also reduced because of international commitments, he played in only two matches, scoring 128 runs at a strike rate of 170.66.
Jonny Bairstow has decided to follow the example of his Test captain, Ben Stokes, in choosing to rest rather than play in the England and Wales Cricket Board’s showpiece tournament.
“I’m really disappointed I won’t be part of the Hundred this year,” Bairstow said.
“I loved it last year but I’ve had a hectic few months with the schedule as it is and I really need to take a breather before the South Africa series.”
Bairstow part of Busy English Schedule
In a hectic international summer Bairstow has played in all four England Tests as well as nine of their 12 white-ball games, missing only the three Twenty20 matches against India. Having been named in the squad for the first two of three Tests against South Africa, which start at Lord’s on 17 August, he has decided that some time away from the game is required.
He was seen scoring tons against New Zealand and India as England registered famous wins against both the sides. England first whitewashed the Kiwis 3-0 and followed that with an emphatic win in the only Test against India. The win at Edgbaston saw Bairstow and Root put together a record partnership while the series ended at 1-1.
The Hundred: Jonny Bairstow pulls out of ECB’s showpiece event ‘The Hundred,’ to focus on SA Test series- Check Out
Bairstow eyes South Africa series
England have enjoyed a stellar show in recent times and are poised to continue their impressive run. As things stand, Bairstow remains an integral part of the Test set-up and will be looking for an impact in the squad. Bairstow is joined in England’s Test squad by Ollie Robinson, who returns after a wildly injury- and illness‑disrupted period in which he was affected by issues with his shoulder and back, a tooth infection, Covid and food poisoning.
England squad for South Africa Test series
Ben Stokes (captain), James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Foakes, Jack Leach, Alex Lees, Craig Overton, Matthew Potts, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root
The Hundred: Jonny Bairstow pulls out of ECB’s showpiece event ‘The Hundred,’ to focus on SA Test series- Check Out
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